Catholic social teaching supports migrants

By Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger 

Churches throughout the country and the Diocese of Tucson are providing critical documents and resource opportunities to migrants who may be subject to immigration enforcement actions. While recognizing this is a complicated and highly emotional issue the Church’s formal prayer life, as well as Her teachings in the Roman Catholic Catechism--as articulated beautifully by Pope Francis--remind us that God defines no one by his or her immigration status. Calling to mind that a host of children were separated from their families during immigration activities of previous years, and praying that such a violation of human rights and dignity never happens again, I join with other churches, faith groups, and civic organizations who are reminding immigrants and refugees of their rights in federal law as well as Arizona state saw. While we support the lawful arrest and detention of those who have perpetrated criminal activity, we do not believe the government should pursue criminal cases merely based on someone's undocumented status. We believe all refugees, exiles, immigrants, and migrants should be treated with compassion. 
 
We continue to stand in solidarity with the immigrant community, our brothers and sisters, children of the One God.

The information is available below and on our homepage, which also includes my previous statements on the issue. I prayerfully ask that you consider reading and sharing:

IMMIGRATION PREPAREDNESS TOOLKIT

STEP-BY-STEP FAMILY PREPAREDNESS PLAN

PLAN DE PREPARACIÓN FAMILIAR


The opening prayer from the Roman Missal for the Mass for Refugees and Exiles reads:

O Lord, to whom no one is a stranger and from whose help no one is ever distant, look with compassion on refugees and exiles, on segregated persons and on lost children; restore them, we pray, to a homeland, and give us a kind heart for the needy and for strangers. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.